LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—A historic moment for the province of Pangasinan took place on March 21 with the groundbreaking and unveiling of the marker of the multi-billion Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX) at Barangay Balligi, Laoac.
Ramon Ang, President and Executive Officer of San Miguel Corporation (SMC), Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG Lambino, and 5th District Representative Ramon Guico, Jr. led the activity. The event signaled the province’s commitment to further achieve sustainable infrastructure that will drive development, create more jobs, and spur economic growth.
Complementing each other with gratitude, the SMC and the province’s visionary leaders were the major players in bringing brighter hope for investments, infrastructure, and a wider range of development.
Gov. Guico expressed his thanks to all those behind the gigantic project, in particular business tycoon Ang, who personally graced the occasion.
In return, Ang thanked Gov. Guico and Vice Governor Lambino, who played a pivotal role in bringing the vision to life. ‘Your dedication reminds us that when we join hands for a common purpose, there is nothing we cannot accomplish,’ he said.
The construction of the 34-billion project was eyed as a big boost to the province’s economy and tourism and, subsequently, to the present administration’s entire thrust.
As Ang said, the unveiling of the marker for PLEX was a symbol of a monumental project that will improve the lives of Pangasinenses.
Expressing belief in the success of the project, the governor underscored the importance of PLEX in realizing the goals and objectives of his administration for the more than 3.1 million Pangasinenses. ‘We are given only one life, and God has given us this at, kung may nagawa tayong impact, ‘yun ang importante,’ the governor said as he added that other big-impact infrastructure projects are dependent on the construction of PLEX, such as the Bolinao Airport and upcoming seaport projects.
The multi-billion project has three main sections, including the 7-kilometer stretch from Binalonan to Manaoag, the 11.3-kilometer stretch from Manaoag to Calasiao, and the 2.1-kilometer stretch from Calasiao to Lingayen. A 2.4-kilometer spur road in Calasiao town is also included. A spur road or route refers to a short roadway that shall be formed from a longer road, such as a major roadway, and is considered an auxiliary route.
Designed to open many doors for other towns and cities, PLEX will provide ease of travel in and outside Pangasinan. It will shorten travel time from the TPLEX exit in Binalonan town to the capital town of Lingayen from 90 minutes to only 30 minutes or even less.
(Chona C. Bugayong & Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)
